Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission Protocol Released

strict warning: Non-static method view::load() should not be called statically in /usr/www/users/tacaor/public_site/community/sites/all/modules/views/views.module on line 879.

strict warning: Declaration of views_handler_argument::init() should be compatible with views_handler::init(&$view, $options) in /usr/www/users/tacaor/public_site/community/sites/all/modules/views/handlers/views_handler_argument.inc on line 745.

strict warning: Declaration of views_handler_filter::options_validate() should be compatible with views_handler::options_validate($form, &$form_state) in /usr/www/users/tacaor/public_site/community/sites/all/modules/views/handlers/views_handler_filter.inc on line 589.

strict warning: Declaration of views_handler_filter::options_submit() should be compatible with views_handler::options_submit($form, &$form_state) in /usr/www/users/tacaor/public_site/community/sites/all/modules/views/handlers/views_handler_filter.inc on line 589.

15 February, 2008 - 00:00 — moderator

The Department of Health has finally released the new prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) protocol. It can be downloaded here.

TAC welcomes the improvements over the old protocol. We urge health facilities with capacity to begin implementing it.

Read our statement of 30 January which explains what we are pleased about and what our concerns are with the new protocol.

It is disappointing that the Minister of Health has written a dishonest foreword to the new protocol. We previously dispelled these misrepresentations in our newsletter of 11 September 2007.

On 27 February TAC branches across the country will work in their communities to raise awareness of PMTCT services, particularly dual antiretroviral prophylaxis, and to support health workers who provide the service. This will be the first step towards what TAC hopes will be a month of national activity in April to increase uptake of PMTCT organised by the South African National AIDS Council.